Apparatus and method including hand controlling and ball tossing features

ABSTRACT

A ball-toss training aid is provided, which includes a base piece configured to a user&#39;s wrist and having an axis parallel to the wrist. The base piece includes a curvature at an offset angle from the axis which protrudes into the user&#39;s palm so as to hold the wrist back at a desirable angle for tossing a ball. The training aid further includes a second piece having a first and second end such that the first end releasably attaches to the base piece and has a contour substantially parallel to the axis of the base piece. The second end of the second piece includes a curvature that protrudes over a ball held by the user so as to keep the index and middle fingers of the hand in a desirable extension. The training aid also includes a member coupled to the base piece, which releasably attaches to the user&#39;s forearm.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/918,533 filed Mar. 16, 2007 and of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/955,849, filed Aug. 14, 2007, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods and devices useful for training, such as for training proper form. More specifically, the present invention is directed towards a method and device for training a user to properly toss a ball.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Several flaws are common among racket game players when making a service toss. Many of these flaws occur in the toss due in part to that player having improper positioning and/or movement of the wrist, fingers, body lean or jerky speed when tossing the ball. Examples of this can be seen when a player flexes the wrist, fails to keep body weight on the front foot and/or fails to release ball consistently with the hand/fingers.

The recommended hand position for the service toss is one with the wrist laid back and the body weight on the front foot while allowing the ball to come out freely from the hand at the proper ball release point giving a rhythmic, slow, predictable trajectory of the ball. A large majority of top tennis professionals release their toss with the wrist laid-back and the palm facing straight up so that the ball lifts directly upward into the player's desired service contact point time after time. Pros use this tossing motion for good reason because it greatly helps the consistency of their toss. Players can emulate this tossing motion by use of the present invention.

For most tennis players, a repeatable service toss is both challenging and often extremely frustrating, as most players never learn a proper tossing motion, especially the proper wrist, hand and finger position and release point of the tossed ball. These nuances of the toss are important factors to learn to have a consistent toss.

Common problems that cause inconsistent tosses are players incorrectly flexing the wrist or fingers upwards/backwards during the toss, which causes the toss to navel too far behind the player and can create a very inconsistent toss height. Many players also fail to keep weight on the front foot throughout the toss or lean back excessively, and/or release the ball at an improper release point, all of which can cause the ball to travel too far behind the player. The ball traveling erratically or too far behind the player causes a service motion problem that can adversely affect the player's placement of the serve, power and consistency of the serve, and eventually can affect that player's success and enjoyment of the game. This problem is found in all levels of tennis players from beginners to some touring tennis pros and is often difficult for a player to correct.

Illustrations of some of these common problems with respect to tossing a ball are provided in FIGS. 1A-1B. In FIG. 1A, for example, an illustration of an undesirable wrist angle 40 is shown, wherein wrist angle 40 is measured relative to an axis parallel to the user's forearm. As illustrated, an undesirable wrist angle 40 tends to cause ball 10 to veer away from desired trajectory 20, and instead towards undesired trajectories 30. Similarly, FIG. 1B shows how, even if a user achieves a desirable wrist angle 50 (wherein wrist angle 50 is again measured relative to an axis parallel to the user's forearm), ball 10 may still veer away from desired trajectory 20 if his/her fingers are not properly extended.

It is desirable to provide a tennis training aid that is light weight, intuitive to use, operable in multiple usage modes and allows a player to easily, effectively and comfortably practice different styles of service tosses to find the one that suits the player best.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment of the present invention, a ball-toss training aid is provided. The ball-toss training aid includes a base piece shaped to configure to a user's wrist and having an axis parallel to the user's wrist. Within such embodiment, the base piece includes a first end having a curvature that is at an offset angle from the axis such that the curvature protrudes into a palm of a hand of the user so as to hold the wrist back at a desirable wrist angle for tossing a ball. The ball-toss training aid also includes a member coupled to the base piece and configured to be releasably attached to a user's forearm.

In another embodiment of the present invention, another ball-toss training aid is provided. Within such embodiment, the ball-toss training aid includes a base piece shaped to configure to a user's wrist and having an axis parallel to the user's wrist. The base piece includes a first end having a curvature that is at an offset angle from the axis such that the curvature protrudes into a palm of a hand of the user so as to hold the wrist back at a desirable wrist angle for tossing a ball. The ball-toss training aid further includes a second piece having a first end and a second end such that the first end is configured to be releasably attached to the base piece and has a contour substantially parallel to the axis of the base piece, and where the second end includes a curvature, and where the curvature of the second end protrudes over a ball held by the user so as to keep the index and middle fingers of the hand in a desirable extension. The ball-toss training aid also includes a member coupled to the base piece and configured to be releasably attached to a user's forearm.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, another ball-toss training aid is provided. The ball-toss training aid includes a base piece shaped to configure to a user's wrist and having an axis parallel to the user's wrist. Within such embodiment, the base piece includes a first and second portion. The first portion includes a first end having a curvature that is at an offset angle from the axis of the base piece such that the curvature protrudes into a palm of a hand of the user so as to hold the wrist back at a desirable wrist angle for tossing a ball. The second portion of the base piece extends from the first end of the first portion and includes a curvature, where the curvature protrudes over a ball held by the user so as to keep the index and middle fingers of the hand in a desirable extension. The ball-toss training aid also includes a member coupled to the base piece and configured to be releasably attached to the user's forearm.

These and other features, advantages and embodiments will be appreciated by a review of the following detailed description and related drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is an illustration of an unassisted ball toss technique, wherein an undesirable wrist angle is shown.

FIG. 1B is an illustration of an unassisted ball toss technique, wherein an undesirable lack of finger extension is shown.

FIG. 2 is a schematic of a ball-toss training aid in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a ball-toss training aid strapped onto a user in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic of a ball-toss training aid having an extension piece in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5A is an illustration of a preferred begin position for the ball-toss training aid of FIG. 4, wherein the ball is cuffed towards the extension piece.

FIG. 5B is an illustration of a preferred intermediate position for the ball-toss training aid of FIG. 4, wherein the ball is cuffed away from the extension piece.

FIG. 5C is an illustration of a preferred release position for the ball-toss training aid of FIG. 4, wherein the ball is released away from the extension piece via proper finger extension.

FIG. 6A is a first illustration of a ball-toss training aid comprising a target mat in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a second illustration of a ball-toss training aid comprising a target mat in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a target mat placed on a tennis court in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, which are provided as illustrative examples of the invention so as to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Notably, the figures and examples below are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention. Moreover, where certain elements of the present invention can be partially or fully implemented using known components, only those portions of such known components that are necessary for an understanding of the present invention will be described, and detailed descriptions of other portions of such known components will be omitted so as not to obscure the invention. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the Figures, like numerals being used to refer to like and corresponding parts of various drawings.

The present invention is directed towards racket game training devices and methods that train players to accurately toss a ball, such as a tennis ball, into the air with such accuracy and consistency that they can reliably hit the ball with a powerful service motion. A device consistent with aspects of the present innovations guides the player's tossing hand to lift the ball into the same, predictable location and thereby build the proper “feel” of a correct service toss. This accurate service toss complements the player's service motion by building confidence, rhythm and muscle memory into the service motion by enabling the ball to be tossed consistently in the right location, a key ingredient to a good serve. In particular, the present invention helps train tennis players to properly and consistently lift their service toss into a hitting contact area where the serve can be hit with maximum efficiency. By controlling the wrist position at release and forcing the index/middle fingers to extend open and not flex upward, the player is greatly helped because he/she is able to learn how to toss ‘straight up’. Moreover, the present invention restricts improper flexion movement and encourages players to complete the toss open-handed like a plate which in turn greatly improves a players ability to toss consistently.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention properly guides the server to “throw slow” or lift the tennis ball vertically into the right hitting position for the server to make a smooth, accelerated and powerful contact of the ball with the racket. In FIG. 2, a schematic of a ball-toss training aid in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is provided. As illustrated, ball-toss training aid 100 includes a base piece 110 coupled to a forearm attachment member 120, wherein the attachment member preferably includes straps 122. In a preferred embodiment, the base piece further includes a curvature 112 at one end having tabs 114, wherein the curvature is at an offset angle from an axis parallel to the user's forearm, when worn. As shown, base piece 110 may also include a portion 116 configured to be releasably attached to an extension piece, which is discussed later with respect to another embodiment.

In FIG. 3, an illustration of the ball-toss training aid of FIG. 2 is shown strapped onto a user, wherein ball-toss training aid 100 holds the wrist of a user at desired angle 50. As illustrated, attachment member 120 is secured onto the forearm of the user via straps 122 (e.g., Velcro straps), wherein attachment member 120 and/or straps 122 are preferably shaped to fit all sizes and ages of users. In alternative embodiments, it should also be appreciated that attachment member 120 may also include a pouch on the cuff to hold weights to slow down the toss as desired for control. The pouch can be placed in various locations to maximize effectiveness and can hold weights of different amounts to arrive at what feels best.

In a preferred embodiment, base piece 110 pushes the palm of the server's tossing hand down in such a way as to properly hold the wrist in an extended or laid back position at desired angle 50 (e.g., from about one hundred twenty-five degrees to about one hundred fifty-five degrees relative to an axis parallel to the user's forearm). Namely, base piece 110 restricts the server from flexing the wrist due to the presence of two molded plastic tabs 114 at curvature 112, which protrude into the palm of the hand and are stabilized by attachment member 120 to resist wrist movement. The angled tabs 114 in the hand are preferably designed to be comfortable while the hand is bent in the starting position of the toss and throughout the tossing motion. Moreover, these two tabs are preferably contoured anatomically to apply comfortable force to keep the wrist in the desired extension while simultaneously allowing the hand to be cupped around the ball 10.

In FIG. 4, a schematic of a ball-toss training aid having an extension piece in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is provided, which helps to keep the index and middle fingers of a user in desired extension. Within this embodiment, an extension piece 200 is provided, which is preferably shoe-horn shaped and includes a first end 210 having a contour substantially parallel to base piece 110, and a second end 220. As illustrated, extension piece 200 releasably attaches to base piece 110, wherein portion 212 of extension piece 200 preferably attaches to portion 116 of base piece 110 (e.g., via a Velcro system). Here, it should be appreciated that, although extension piece 200 preferably releasably attaches to base piece 110, other embodiments may be designed in which extension piece 200 and base piece 110 are a single piece (i.e., where extension piece 200 and base piece 110 are un-detachable from each other).

In the embodiment of FIG. 4, base piece 110 works in conjunction with extension piece 200 to force the hand and fingers to work in a uniform, quiet, predictable, desirable tossing motion. By correctly guiding the player's toss, a player may thus be trained to “feel” the correct service toss motion, which promotes muscle memory for use in play after practice. A functional illustration of this embodiment is provided in FIGS. 5A-5C.

In FIG. 5A, for example, an illustration of a preferred “begin” position for the ball-toss training aid of FIG. 4 is provided, wherein ball 10 is cuffed towards extension piece 200. As illustrated, extension piece 200 essentially extends base piece 110 so that second end 220 protrudes up and over ball 10 in such a way that the player must perform the correct service toss motion for the ball to release.

Next, in FIG. 5B, an illustration of a preferred “intermediate” position for the embodiment of FIG. 4 is provided. In this position, as illustrated, second end 220 of extension piece 200 protrudes forward over the laid back hand containing the ball and thus prevents it from being flicked by the player's fingers in a backward, sideways or otherwise incorrect direction.

And finally, in FIG. 5C, an illustration of a preferred “release” position for the ball-toss training aid of FIG. 4 is provided. In this, position, as illustrated, second end 220 protrudes over ball 10 held by the user so as to train the user to extend his/her index and middle fingers to a desirable extension.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a target mat may also be provided, which allows a user to build toss accuracy, as shown in FIGS. 6A-6B. Within such embodiment, a positionable mat or landing target 300 is preferably made of a thin material including a top surface having an easily visible desirable landing point 310, and a bottom surface that frictionally engages the ground and helps maintain the target in a desired location (e.g., the bottom surface may include a rubber material that frictionally engages a tennis court surface). When the mat 300 is in a desired position, a user may practice tossing the ball 10 so that the ball 10 consistently hits desirable landing point 310. This repeated activity will improve the user's toss accuracy and precision.

It should be appreciated that the size and shape of desirable landing point 310 may vary. In FIG. 6A, for example, the landing point 310 may be in the approximate shape and size of a conventional tennis ball 10. In FIG. 6B, another example is provided, the landing point 310 is larger than a conventional tennis ball 10. In yet other embodiments, the landing point 310 may be smaller than a conventional tennis ball 10. In one embodiment the user may position the target by pointing the forward foot at about a 45 degree angle to the baseline, as shown in FIG. 7. The user may then place the racket on court in line with the front foot, and slide the mat 300 under the racket face to set an ideal target distance. The user can the pick up the racket and begin practice.

In one embodiment, the top side of mat 300 includes adhesive material. Desirable landing point 310, for example, may include an adhesive material that releasably attaches to the outer surface of ball 10 (e.g., via a Velcro system).

It should be recognized that a number of variations of the above-identified embodiments will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited by those specific embodiments and methods of the present invention shown and described herein. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be defined by the following claims and their equivalents. 

1. A ball-toss training aid, comprising: a base piece shaped to configure to a user's wrist, having an axis parallel to the user's wrist, wherein the base piece includes a first end having a curvature that is at an offset angle from the axis, and wherein the curvature protrudes into a palm of a hand of the user so as to hold the wrist back at a desirable wrist angle for tossing a ball; and a member coupled to the base piece and configured to be releasably attached to a user's forearm.
 2. A ball-toss training aid according to claim 1, wherein the curvature comprises tabs extending from the plane of the first end.
 3. A ball-toss training aid according to claim 1, wherein the desirable wrist angle is from about one hundred twenty-five degrees to about one hundred fifty-five degrees.
 4. A ball-toss training aid according to claim 1, wherein the member comprises a weight pouch.
 5. A ball-toss training aid according to claim 4, further comprising one or more weights configured to fit within the weight pouch.
 6. A ball-toss training aid according to claim 1 further comprising a target mat, wherein the target mat identifies a desirable landing point for a tossed ball.
 7. A ball-toss training aid according to claim 6, wherein the target mat includes a bottom side having an adhesive material for attaching to a court surface.
 8. A ball-toss training aid, comprising: a base piece shaped to configure to a user's wrist, having an axis parallel to the user's wrist, wherein the base piece includes a first end having a curvature that is at an offset angle from the axis, and wherein the curvature protrudes into a palm of a hand of the user so as to hold the wrist back at a desirable wrist angle for tossing a ball; a second piece having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to be releasably attached to the base piece, and has contour substantially parallel to the base piece, and wherein the second end includes a curvature, and wherein the curvature of the second end protrudes over a ball held by the user so as to keep the index and middle fingers of the hand in a desirable extension; and a member coupled to the base piece and configured to be releasably attached to a user's forearm.
 9. A ball-toss training aid according to claim 8, wherein the curvature of the base piece comprises tabs angled out in the plane of the first end.
 10. A ball-toss training aid according to claim 8, wherein the desirable wrist angle is from about one hundred twenty-five degrees to about one hundred fifty-five degrees.
 11. A ball-toss training aid according to claim 8, wherein the member comprises at least one weight pouch.
 12. A ball-toss training aid according to claim 8, wherein the second piece is generally shoe-horn shaped.
 13. A ball-toss training aid according to claim 8 further comprising a target mat, wherein the target mat identifies a desirable landing point for a tossed ball.
 14. A ball-toss training aid according to claim 13, wherein the target mat includes an adhesive material adapted to releasably attach to the tossed.
 15. A ball-toss training aid, comprising: a base piece shaped to configure to a user's wrist, having an axis parallel to the user's wrist, and having a first and second portion, wherein the first portion includes a first end having a curvature that is at an offset angle from the axis of the base piece, and wherein the curvature protrudes into a palm of a hand of the user so as to hold the wrist back at a desirable wrist angle for tossing a ball; and wherein the second portion extends from the first end of the first portion and includes a curvature, and wherein the curvature protrudes over a ball held by the user so as to keep the index and middle fingers of the hand in a desirable extension; and a member coupled to the base piece and configured to be releasably attached to the user's forearm.
 16. A ball-toss training aid according to claim 15, wherein the curvature of the first portion of the base piece comprises tabs angled out in the plane of the first end of the first portion.
 17. A ball-toss training aid according to claim 15, wherein the second portion of the base piece is generally shoe-horn shaped.
 18. A ball-toss training aid according to claim 15, wherein the desirable wrist angle is from about one hundred twenty-five degrees to about one hundred fifty-five degrees.
 19. A ball-toss training aid according to claim 15, wherein the member comprises at least one weight pouch.
 20. A ball-toss training aid according to claim 15 further comprising a target mat, wherein the target mat identifies a desirable landing point for a tossed ball. 